Carifest 2027 Countdown

As President of our Carifest, I want to take a moment to say something that comes straight from my heart, thank you!

This year, we celebrated something truly special—45 years of Caribbean culture, community, and celebration in Western Canada. Forty-five years is more than a number. It represents generations of people, countless volunteers, families, musicians, dancers, cultural leaders, sponsors, supporters, and community members who believed that our Caribbean culture deserved a place to be celebrated, shared, and passed on.

For 45 years, this festival has helped bring the warmth, rhythm, colour, food, music, traditions, and spirit of the Caribbean to Western Canada. And it continues today because of YOU.

To the incredible team who comes to the table—not for recognition, not for personal gain, but simply because you believe in community—I say thank you. When I say community, I mean comm + unity: coming together in unity, with one heart, one purpose, and one love for our Caribbean culture.

To the team who stands beside me, supports me, challenges me, encourages me, and continues to show up: I am deeply grateful for you. Your time, your ideas, your energy, your sacrifices, and your belief in this festival mean more than words can express.

To the Caribbean Community Associations that supports this Caribbean Festival – Thank you.
As President of our festival, I carry a deep sense of responsibility, humility, and pride. But I know I do not stand alone.

I stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and I stand alongside a team and a community that believes this festival is worth protecting, nurturing, and sustaining for the next generation. Forty-five years ago, a few people believed in this dream. Today, we are living that dream, and now it is our responsibility to carry it forward.

To every person who came out to celebrate our Downtown In Motion Carifest 45th Anniversary workshops; from the Stilt walking, Steel drums, Caribbean Sports in the park, Costume making and Caribbean dance workshops as well as the Caribbean Gala we say a big Thank You!

Thank you to team:
Dale Green / Vice President, Whitney Cousins / Treasure, Sabrina Comanescu / Meeting Chair, Production manager, Carifest Dancers coordinator and Public Relations, Natacha Jacques / Finance team & First Aid, Leslie LOsakwe / Volunteer Lead Coordinator, D’on Duncan / Vendor Coordinator, Terence May / Parade Coordinator, Julie Abott / Artist Transport. Taleisa Brown / VIP & Dignitaries Coordinator and Andrew Allium / Sponsorship Coordinator.

Thank you to our volunteers.
Thank you to the incredible Artists.
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors.
Thank you to our community.
And thank you to everyone who has helped make Carifest 45 possible.
This celebration belongs to all of us.

With Caribbean Pride, Love, and Heartfelt Gratitude,

Jennifer Duncan
President, Caribbean Community Council of Calgary

TO “GERRY” WITH LOVE! A TRIBUTE TO GERARD WEEKES

A Celebration of the Life of Gerard “Gerry” Weekes—Co-Bandleader of Kinetic Mas, a King of Carnival, visionary artist, luminary, mentor, and cultural icon.This costume captures the spirit of a Carnival legend and his lifelong devotion to art, culture, and Mas. The king costume, played by Sherwin Williams, has been crafted from the original fabric of Kinetic Mas’s King costume, Rhythmic Vibrations—the very costume Gerry was portraying when he passed away in Calgary during last year’s parade, doing what he loved most, bringing Carnival to life and being King of the road.

The Carifest dancers are portraying the “Pierrot Grenade”. This was the carnival character that Gerry asked the dancers to portray on the road. With extraordinary generosity, he took the time to share the symbolism, and movement of this witty and rhyming orthographic carnival character, ensuring the dancers understood not only how to perform it, but the deeper spirit and storytelling behind it. His passion, humour, and artistic brilliance resonated. Those who had the privilege of learning from Gerry will forever cherish those moments. His unwavering passion, profound respect for the art form, bold creative vision, and innovative spirit continue to inspire us.

He inspired us to honour Carnival’s rich past while fearlessly imagining its future, and in doing so, left an indelible mark on every artist, masquerader, mas band and organizing committee he encountered. During the parade the dancers danced not only in remembrance, but in gratitude.

Gerry, we miss you deeply. We hope you are proud as Carifest continues the work you loved so passionately, carrying your vision forward the best we can with every beat, every costume, and every masquerader who takes to the road.

For Gerry… Fly High.

Experience the rhythms, history, and energy of the Caribbean through three dynamic dance workshops led by incredible local artists who are passionate about sharing their culture and craft.

Workshop Schedule

🕠 5:30–6:30 PM | Dancehall w/ Tope
Feel the energy of Jamaica as you explore the grooves, musicality, and culture behind one of the Caribbean’s most influential dance styles.

🕡 6:30–7:30 PM | Haitian Folkloric Dance w/ Val Dupree
Discover the rich traditions, storytelling, and powerful movements of Haitian folkloric dance.

🕢 7:30–8:30 PM | Soca w/ Sabrina Naz Comănescu
End the evening with the infectious joy of Soca as you learn the movements that bring Carnival to life and prepare for the excitement of the CARIFEST Parade!

📍 DJD Dance Centre (111 12 Ave SE, Calgary)
🎟️ Admission is FREE!

Whether you’re stepping into a dance class for the first time or you’re a seasoned mover, everyone is welcome to celebrate Caribbean culture through movement, music, and community.

When Vintage Vibes ends, the celebration is just getting started! From 7:00–11:00 PM, We head into the Night Carnival Tent for – Fête De La Nuit Blanche!

Dance the night away with international guest DJ Jus Jay all the way from Barbados, alongside some of Calgary’s hottest local DJs, while enjoying authentic Caribbean flavours from Crazy Jerk.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now and selling fast!

Gather your crew, and join us under the tent for an unforgettable night celebrating 45 years of Carifest in true island style.

The Reggae Cool Down—an evening dedicated to soulful vibrations, community connection, and the music that moves the spirit.

This unforgettable finale features an incredible live performance by internationally acclaimed reggae artist Caleb Hart, alongside some of the finest local talent!

Whether you come to groove, relax with family and friends, or simply soak in the positive energy, The Reggae Cool Down is the perfect way to close an unforgettable weekend of Caribbean culture and celebration.

🗓️ 12:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Cowboys Park (1220 9 Ave SW, Calgary)
🎟️ FREE Admission